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Takudzwa Chitsiga-Sports Reporter

LOCAL body-builders will have an early Christmas present as they are scheduled to take part in the Harare Classic at the Zimbabwe College of Music tomorrow. 

The Harare Classic was held in 2020 after a long layoff as it was last staged in 2012.

The 2020 edition made a huge return with five categories up for grabs. 

The winner of the senior men’s contest will walk away with US$1 000. 

Several body-builders are coming from the Manicaland Classic which had a huge turnout with Nunurai Masosonere winning the senior men’s contest. 

Masosonere is expected to win again at this week’s contest where he will come up against other seasoned campaigners. 

The contest, which is open to participants from across the country, will be the only one before the end of the year and will help prepare local athletes before the 2022 Arnolds Classic. 

Athletes will compete in the senior men body-building Open, junior men body-building up to 70kgs and including Under-23, Men’s Physique Open, Men’s Fitness Open and Women’s Bikini Fitness Open. 

Event co-ordinator, Tarirai Chirume, said all is in place for the last tournament of the year to be staged, which will give body-builders an opportunity to be on the podium before the end of the season. 

“We are geared up for the return of the Harare Classic and we are happy with the preparations which both us organisers and athletes have made so far. 

“We are going to stick to the Covid-19 regulations and we will have a limited number of participants at the venue and ensure that social-distance is maintained. So far everything is in order and the prize monies are already there,” said Marume. 

Meanwhile, female body-builder Regina Jonga was outstanding at the XFE Classic held at Kempton Park just outside Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday. 

Jonga managed to win the female fitness division. 

And Jonga could not hide her excitement after coming out tops in South Africa at the weekend. 

“I’m so happy I won my show today,’’ Jonga said after the weekend’s contest. “Firstly I would like to thank God for everything he is doing in my life . . . Thank you Lord. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank the President of WFF SA for everything she did for me. You made everything easier for me and also thank you for organising that special event. It was so amazing I enjoyed a lot. Thank you Mrs President. 

“I also want to thank the people who helped her (in organising the contest), I know that she did not do it alone and also the sponsors who sponsored that show. Thank you very much to you all. 

“And not forgetting the people from Zimbabwe who donated to me and made my trip easier . . . I thank you guys Brother Tendai, Evans, Siso and Garnet from Planet Fitness Gym, you showed me love guys I really appreciate it and may the Lord continue to bless you. And also my boss from Mashwede, Tendai Mashamhanda, thank you boss for the support. Makandikoshera hama. Total Fitness Gym thank you for gym sponsorship. 

“Thank you, thank you all my supporters . . . I love you all. Let’s celebrate now,’’ Jonga said.